04/23/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/23/2024 04:06
Share Article:
Print Article:
Manila, 23 April 2024: The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) culminated the first pre-event of the One ASEAN Startup Award 2024 at a prestigious ceremony held at The Peninsula Manila today, attended by around 200 people. This competition recognises outstanding startups across ASEAN and East Asia, fostering innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in the region.
Dr Leah Buendia, Undersecretary for Research and Development of the Philippines Department of Science and Technology, and National ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI) Chair for the Philippines, opened the event and conveyed the Philippines' full support and encouragement on endeavours like the Award.
'Our country has in place supportive laws like the Innovative Startup Act and the Philippine Technology Transfer Act. Additionally, we have established technology business incubators to nurture and foster the growth of startups nationwide. We believe in the power of innovation and recognise the immense potential that startups hold for economic growth, job creation, and societal development,' said Undersecretary Buendia.
'I congratulate all the finalists in today's pitch session. Your innovative ideas and dedication inspire us all,' she added. 'I am confident that your contributions, along with the research fund granted by ERIA, will fuel your expansion plans and make a significant impact not only in your respective industries but also in the research initiatives of ERIA.'
ERIA's Chief Operating Officer Koji Hachiyama conveyed the purpose of this Award in his welcome remarks.
'The One ASEAN Startup Award is designed to foster the growth of the startup ecosystem across ASEAN by recognising, rewarding, and promoting the brightest innovators. Open to startups across Southeast Asia, regardless of the country of origin, this award encourages innovation particularly in sectors in Digital AI and Impact Startups, aiming to bring sustainable solutions and technological advancements to the fore,' he said. 'This event is only the beginning. We look forward to the main competition where these startups will vie for recognition. We are here to support the growth of new businesses in ASEAN and hope this award will propel their development and help address societal challenges across our region.'
Chairperson of the ERIA Governing Board, Former Department of Trade Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, was also in attendance.
Following a competitive selection process and insightful pitch session, ERIA is proud to announce the winners of the first pre-event for the Digital/AI Category, FathomX, and for the Impact Startup Category, Rezbin Waste Technology.
Hiroshi Ishikawa, Senior Program Advisor on Startup Ecosystem of ERIA's Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy Centre (E-DISC), and the award presenter, commented, 'We were incredibly impressed by the caliber of applications received in this first competition. The innovative solutions presented by these startups have the potential to make a significant impact on various sectors in ASEAN. We are excited to see them compete at the grand finals and showcase their groundbreaking ideas to the regional audience.'
'Today's event marks the first occasion outside Jakarta for the ERIA E-DISC Startup Ecosystem Program, established last year. The energy and commitment from Manila's startup community have made this event exceedingly fruitful. Remember, this does not end here. The two awarded companies will partner with E-DISC to energise the ASEAN startup scene,' said Ishikawa, as he encouraged startups that did not secure a win today to improve and submit their application for the upcoming rounds.
The winning startups from both categories will now proceed to the One ASEAN Startup Award, where they will compete against winners from the upcoming pre-events in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (scheduled to be held on 25 June 2024) and Phnom Penh, Cambodia (August 2024). The grand prize winner will be chosen during a final award ceremony to be held in Lao PDR later this year.
Nominations for the second pre-event are currently being accepted until 26 May 2024. Startups operating in the Digital/AI and Impact sectors are encouraged to submit their applications.
***
About the One ASEAN Startup Award
The One ASEAN Startup Award is an initiative organised by ERIA to recognise and support outstanding startups across Southeast Asia. The competition aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the region, fostering the development of a dynamic and inclusive startup ecosystem.
Digital/AI Category Finalists in the Manila pre-event:
Impact Startup Category Finalists in the Manila pre-event:
Additional information:
The Second Pre-event
Eligibility criteria :
About the prize :
Benefits for Award Winners :
Application deadline: 26 May 2024
***